Learn the
basic maintenance and repair projects every homeowner needs to
know.
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parents can find answers to the many questions that come up
all through a childhood.

Repairing
Cracks In Plaster

Scrape away any loose
plaster or textured surface along the crack. Reinforce the crack
with self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape.

Apply a thin layer of
joint compound over the taped crack, using a taping knife or trowel
(see top right photo). Allow it to dry. Apply a second thin coat, if
necessary, to hide the tape edges.

Sand the area lightly
using 150-grit sandpaper. Apply PVA primer. Retexture the surface,
if necessary, using texturized paint.

REPAIRING HOLES IN PLASTER

Gently scrape away any
loose material and clean the damaged area. Undercut the edges of the
hole where possible.

Cut a piece of wire lath
to fit the damaged area and staple it to the wood lath. Mix a small
amount of patching plaster, following the manufacturer’s directions.

Using a drywall knife or
trowel) apply a thin coat of plaster to the wire lath, working the
material under the hole edges (see photo right).

Score a grid pattern into
the surface of the patching plaster with the tip of your knife;
allow to dry.

To apply a second coat,
first dampen the area with a sponge; then apply another layer of
patching plaster, even with the surrounding wall (see lower right
photo). Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Sand the area lightly
using 150-grit sandpaper. Apply PVA primer. Retexture the surface,
if necessary, using texturized paint.

Choosing a Paint Style
Today's decorative paint techniques will transform any room with their
intriguing patterns, tantalizing colors, and rich textures. The following pages
show you how to work this magic yourself. There are fifty techniques that
follow, including faux finishes that mimic everything from stone to cloth, bold
geometric designs, and a variety of wall embellishments. You can achieve a range
of looks with each method simply by varying the paint colors or applicators.

The success of your painting project depends greatly on the care that goes into
selecting the paints and tools and preparing the walls. These are a crucial
parts of the process that will reward you with professional results.

For most home improvement projects,
choosing the right tools for the job is half the battle. Fainting is no
different. So before you grab the first brush or roller cover you spot on the
store shelf, bone up on some basics. Because of the abundance of quality,
specialized painting products on the market today, you’ll have no trouble
finding the right tools for your job. With this information, you’ll know how to
make the best choices.